Monument record MLI22384 - Late Roman Settlement, Clay Lake Bank, Spalding

Summary

Settlement and agricultural activity of 2nd-4th century AD date on land to the south of Clay Lake Bank, Spalding.

Type and Period (3)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Full Description

Romano-British site with pottery and bones etc. Discovered in the winter of 1950-1. {1} A sparse pottery scatter dating from the 2nd to 4th century AD over two areas south of Clay Lake Bank. There is a similar site further south at MLI22370. It may be part of the settlement and field system complex MLI23596. {2}{3}{4}{5} A trial trenching evaluation conducted at this location in March-April 2018 revealed a group of ditches of 2nd to 4th century AD date (with a concentration in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD), from which pottery, animal bone, and a Late Roman quernstone fragment were recovered. Conflicting evidence of possible salt-making was observed: a curvilinear ditch of Roman date was interpreted as relating to catching brine, but the only briquetage recovered from the site lacked the typical 'bleaching' of Roman salterns and was therefore considered to be residual pre-Late Iron Age material (see MLI128034). {6}{7} Subsequent strip, map and sample excavation of the eastern part of the suspected settlement area took place in July-September 2018. A series of rectilinear enclosure ditches were revealed, within which was a possible structure comprising an unusual group of four narrow gullies forming a cross shape with an adjacent penannular feature (possibly a drip gully). Animal bone and 2nd to 3rd century AD pottery sherds, including some fineware, were recovered from these features. {8}{9}

Sources/Archives (9)

  •  Index: SMR FILE. SPALDING. TF22SE:F,1979, AMBROSE, T.M..
  •  Index: SMR FILE. SPALDING. TF 22 SE:V -.
  •  Index: OS CARD INDEX. SPALDING. TF 22 SE:5 -.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: P. Salway, S.J. Hallam and J. I'Anson Bromwich, with C.W. Phillips (ed.). 1970. The Fenland in Roman Times. GAZETEER 2520 P292.
  •  Map: P. Salway, S.J. Hallam and J. I'Anson Bromwich, with C.W. Phillips (ed.). 1970. Maps for ‘The Fenland in Roman Times'. MAP 4 SHEET D.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (London). 2018. Land off Clay Bank, Spalding: Report on an Archaeological Evaluation. PCAL Site Code: CLSL18.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (London). 2018. Land off Clay Lake Bank, Spalding: Report on an Archaeological Evaluation. LCNCC: 2018.31.
  •  Report: Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (London). 2021. Land at Clay Lane Bank, Spalding: Report on an Archaeological Strip, Map and Record Excavation. PCAL Site Code: CLSL18.
  •  Archive: Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (London). 2018. Land at Clay Lane Bank, Spalding: Report on an Archaeological Strip, Map and Record Excavation. LCNCC: 2018.31.

Map

Find a placename, postcode or grid reference

Map layers

Base layers

Info

Record list

Tools

Location

Grid reference Centred TF 2590 2004 (226m by 151m) Estimated from sources
Civil Parish SPALDING, SOUTH HOLLAND, LINCOLNSHIRE

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Please contact the HER for details.

External Links (0)

Record last edited

Apr 21 2026 12:01PM

Feedback?

Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.